July 1, 2014

I have connected with thousands of amazing educators on Twitter. It's been such a wonderful tool for connecting with teachers and administrators that I may have never met. There are a few though, some that I have met and some that I have not, that have become dear friends. We have taken that connection we made on Twitter and deepened by meeting up at conferences, google hangouts and most recently by having long and personal conversations on Voxer.

Voxer is a new walkie-talkie type app that works on smartphones and iPads.

But this post isn't about the new app we use, this is about the idea that we came up with to all create a blog post about the same subject.....or at least the same title. We have been chatting and sharing personal stories, challenges and successes for quite a while. Being that we are all administrators we agreed that it was almost therapeutic for us to connect with each other as we have all felt the withdrawal and loneliness that comes when living on Admin Island.

Oooh, the job isn't as bleak as that term makes it sound, but let's face it, there is usually only one administrator (sometimes two) in a building, and they are responsible for everyone else in the building. They are "the boss" and that always changes the relationships with others, no matter your attempts to build trust. I am not a believer in building walls between people trying to accomplish the same goals, but sometimes they are already there, and it takes time to tear them down. So sometimes, it seems like there is no one else to go to with your complaints, concerns, questions, etc. And sometimes it feels like you have no one to go to with your own "personal" concerns, complaints and questions. That friend that you can turn to and share things with, knowing they will support you no matter what. Sometimes, they just listen and sometimes they share some solid advice, and somehow they know which you need.I was in need of this group this year more than they may ever know. I took a job this year that was 2 hours away from where my family lived. I usually get back every weekend to see them, and sometimes I will even drive down after school to catch a basketball game or track meet, but it has been difficult. I have been fortunate that my staff has been wonderful and has invited me out to social gatherings, and most of them have opened up to me personally to help create some great bonds of friendship and trust. But, it is just not the same when you are the only administrator in the building, and when your spouse isn't even there to go back and chat with at night (I'm glad she has Voxer on her phone as well).

Of course when you are a 6'3" guy that looks to be built for the purpose of unloading Viking ships, well.... people tend to think you aren't in need of much warmth or support for something like missing your family a little. Besides, I tend to wear a big smile and try to keep my spirits high in hopes that it will rub off on others. What I appreciate about my staff is that they have reached out to me, they are wanting to connect and get to know me as well. But this group of peers from Voxer knows me, and they hear me when I share the tough aspects of the job, or even of my situation of being away from family, and they have been the best supporters I could ask for. They can relate to many of these situations I share with them. None of this post is a complaint, on the contrary it is a compliment. To the friends I have found in my new district, to those I have connected with on twitter, they are all wonderful people with bold ideas, fresh perspectives and twists on things I have tried, but that I had not considered. You all have been a huge help to my growth as an educator. But the friends that I have connected with via Voxer, those friends that have been there for me daily, I am so thankful for your support and reminding me that Principals are People too and that I can be weak, make mistakes, tell bad jokes, be sad, and still be respected and appreciated. Thank you for making a tough year bearable. Actually, thanks for making a tough situation, enjoyable and filled with laughs and support.Make sure to check out the other blog posts with this title from this amazing group of friends that I have connected with. You can find their blogs at the links below:Tony Sinanis - Leading Motivated LearnersJessica Johnson - Reflections from an Elementary PrincipalCurt Rees - I know this much is trueMelinda Miller - The Principal BlogAmber Teamann - Technically Yours, TeamannJoe Sanfelippo - FC SuperintendentLeah Whitford - Reflections of a LearnerJay Posick - Jay's Journal

About Me

I have been in Education for Fifteen years (as long as we don't count all that time as a student) and I have grown to have a deep passion for my job and the future of education in the United States. I guess I don't see myself as a change agent, rather I see myself as someone committed to continuous improvement and ensuring a positive experience for students. I am mostly hoping to share some of my experiences, but even more so, to learn as much as I can from others in the field including parents and other community members looking to share their experiences and thoughts.

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Please feel free to add your thoughts to the comments section at any time. I have placed my thoughts here and you can too. Copy, paste, mock and recreate in any way you see fit. This blog contains the thoughts of Tom Whitford. They do not reflect the ideas, practices or philosophies of my school district. Any criticisms contained within are aimed at myself or at educational trends I have witnessed or read about over my years in education rather than at any individual or institution. My goal is to reflect and hopefully start a conversation or promote reflection for the reader.